In 2021, BTS is dominating the music world, but these underdogs-turned-superstars had to overcome the odds to get where they are today. BTS's fandom, ARMY, is the driving force behind their massive popularity and, over the years, fans have become very protective of the group. Here are 5 reasons why.
1. Busan One Asia Festival
In 2016, BTS released WINGS, one of their most beloved albums, but they also experienced mistreatment at music shows. At 2016 Busan One Asia Festival, BTS performed at the end of the show, but the livestream of the performance was cut off. During the fans were notified that that BTS would no longer be appearing in the broadcast due to "circumstances of the artist". Even so, BTS sang and danced their hearts out for fans who were there in person. At the time, ARMYs at the show did not know ARMYs at home could not see the performance.
2. The infamous black ocean
In "We Are Bulletproof: The Eternal" MV, Jungkook is swallowed up by a wave of black water. Many fans believe this moment references the "black ocean" incident from 2016. A black ocean is what happens when a large number of concertgoers turn off their lightsticks to boycott a group or show their disapproval. Fans claim that at the 2016 Melon Music Awards, spectators purposely switched off their lightsticks during BTS's performance. At the time, the incident created a rift between some ARMYs and this 'fandom'; fans from both fandoms pointed fingers at each other. Fans claimed that a similar incident happened at the Golden Disc Awards. Since then, many fans of this fandom and ARMYs have striven to end fan wars, support each other, and celebrate what they all love: K-Pop.
3. US interviews
When BTS began breaking into the US music mainstream, they were often treated as gimmicks or one-hit wonders by the western media. Instead of asking BTS about their music, journalists frequently asked BTS about their "crazy" fans and social media presence. This is one of the major reasons why BTS's GRAMMY nomination for "Dynamite" means so much to their fans. After years of enduring disbelieving critics (at home and abroad) their music is now being recognized by the most prestigious music award show in the US.
4. "Plagiarism Boys"
2015 and 2016 were "make it or break it years" for BTS. They faced prejudice, discrimination, and also plagiarism accusations. During their WINGS tour, BTS responded to anti-fans' attempts to defame them with hashtags like "plagiarism boys" by mentioning it in a VCR.
5. Chart manipulation accusations
When BTS beat this 'group' in album sales in 2015, netizens claimed it was because BTS engaged in sajaegi (buying large quantities of albums to inflate sales numbers). These rumors were proven false, and BTS continued to rule the charts.
Credits: Koreaboo
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This is what I'm trying to say on my previous post. We may have started from nothing but we slowly climbed up way to the top. It's not the view from the top that we enjoy and adore but the struggles and experiences that we've been through.
I was there when BTS achieved their goals, and BTS are also there when I achieved my dreams. I graduated and passed my board exam last last year, and BTS was on my side. They helped me to overcome my problems and I owe them one, especially last year. 2020 was the biggest peak of my life.
My father died early 2020 and a month after that covid happened. Depression and anxiety was given to me last year especially that I worked in hospital setting. I got anxiety because I was afraid that I am the carrier since I'm handling a covid patient but thanks God i've never been diagnosed.
I was so tired physically and mentally but you know what? At the end of the day I found myself smiling and laughing because of bangtan. They are my stress reliever.
See? Some people are bashing them but little did they know they silently curing us this is not being an oa or what but wala eh gina cure nila talaga kami.
But long story short, when BTS are down we are there to encourage and support them, and when we are down because of our acads or pesonal problems BTS are also there to make us happy and cure us.
I just want to share this to you guys, I found this poem on the yt vid long time ago and i forgot the name of that channel. Its from wab vid i forgot if its reaction vid or lyrics vid. So credits to the owner na lang.
FROM SEVEN TO MILLIONS
You travelled a long and hard journey
You went through a lot of ups and downs
Many storms tried to stop you from going
But with love and faith for each other, you surmount
Some of us may have not been there from the beginning
Some of us may have been new
From seven to millions, we will be together
From seven to millions, we will be with you
Time may pass and everyone gets old
We live our lives and have children of our own
In our hearts, the memories will never be fogotten
The journer of seven with millions will be told
Love, ARMY 💜